Occupy protests planned across O.C. today

Nov. 17, 2011

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 4

The local events are an outgrowth of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, meant to show the effort has moved beyond New York, according to moveon.org, where "We Are the 99%" events are being organized. Facebook also has helped spread the word on the local "Occupy" movement. FILE: ANA VENEGAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 4

Workers break up concrete and asphalt along Avenida de la Carlota as part of a road-widening project. A group of demonstrators is expected to gather Thursday evening at El Toro Road and Carlota as part of a We Are the 99% event. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 4

Vehicles travel along Avenida de la Carlota, which is being widened by one lane. A group of demonstrators is expected to gather Thursday evening at El Toro Road and Carlota as part of a We Are the 99% event. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 4

Rob Friedman, who will be attending a "We Are The 99%" event in Laguna Hills, crafted this map to show attendees the best spots to demonstrate Thursday. IMAGE COURTESY OF ROB FRIEDMAN

The local events are an outgrowth of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, meant to show the effort has moved beyond New York, according to moveon.org, where "We Are the 99%" events are being organized. Facebook also has helped spread the word on the local "Occupy" movement. FILE: ANA VENEGAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

About 'Occupy' movement

In the U.S., it began in Zuccotti Park in New York's financial district. Protests have focused on economic inequality, corporate influence in government and greed.

"We are the 99%" is the slogan protestors are using, referring to what they see as the gap between themselves and the wealthiest 1 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Washington Independent.

Nearly 250 people have signed up so far for "We Are The 99%" events at three locations Thursday in Orange County.

The two largest events are planned for Laguna Hills – at El Toro Road and Avenida de la Carlota – and Orange – on the Glassell Street bridge by Hart Park – where protesters are expected beginning at 4 and 5 p.m., respectively. A third demonstration is set for 5:30 p.m. at MacArthur Boulevard and Michelson Drive in Irvine, next to John Wayne Airport.

Laurie Hester, who organized the Laguna Hills event, said the "Occupy" protests – focused on economic inequality, corporate influence in government and greed – have woken up the country.

"I think these protests today, all over the country, I think it's going to show politicians that we're serious, that they can't ignore us anymore," said Hester, a small business owner whose 81-year-old mother lives in south Orange County and selected the Laguna Hills location so she could attend the demonstration.

Hester, 56, said she has a long history of activism.

"I've always been sympathetic to the underprivileged, especially the people who are being kicked out of their homes right now because of what the Wall Street banks did," she said.

More than a dozen of the 86 people who have registered to participate in her event are facing foreclosure or have been foreclosed on, she said.

Laguna Hills resident Rob Friedman will be joining Hester's demonstration. The unemployed IT worker said he suffered a work injury in 2001 and ever since, he's been plagued by difficulties with the state Workers' Compensation system and the state Compensation Insurance Fund.

"I was hurt on the job awhile ago and I'm still fighting with that," he said. "I just want to have my own life and I'm struggling with that. And a lot of it has to do with the financial situation we're all in."

Hester said she expects 200-300 people to come to the demonstration. Those who registered for the event likely will bring along a friend or two, and many folks who didn't register will just show up, she said. She's made up signs with slogans such as "We Are The 99%" and "Due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been shut off."

The El Toro Road/Carlota intersection is known for significant backup from traffic exiting the southbound I-5 at about the time the demonstration is expected to begin.

"I think it's important to get this movement mainstreamed and get people to understand it's people like them who are upset and fighting back," she said.

Related Links

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.